The article is based on a comparative study on how gender and sexuality is constructed and regulated in the criminal laws of the Middle East and North Africa. It examines the commonalities of criminal laws from the region in the domain of sexuality, also providing a historical perspective and insight into the amalgamation of tribal, religious, colonial laws and their impact on the modern codes. Providing a thematic comparative study of constructs of honor, adultery, honor crimes, rape, sexual abuse, abortion, marital rape, homosexuality, sex work, FGM etc., the article explores how human rights violations in the domain of sexuality are legitimized by law in the region and how oppression of sexuality is perpetrated by the existing penal systems. The first such comparative and comprehensive article on the issue, Gender, Sexuality and the Criminal Laws in the Middle East and North Africa: A comparative study offers an in depth historical and contemporary analysis of sexuality and penal codes in the region, as well as discourses of gender, sexuality in the criminal systems. The article is both a unique resource and a powerful advocacy tool for ongoing reform initiatives in the region.

Sherifa Zuhur 
Istanbul, 2005
WWHR-New Ways
ISBN 975-92677-2-1